Kirsty Williams, Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats, has today welcomed the strong Liberal Democrat influence that is dominant throughout today's Queen's Speech.

Kirsty Williams AM said:

"This is a Queen's Speech that represents the Liberal Democrat approach in government - putting Britain securely on the road to the economic recovery, and doing so in a way that is fair.

"Lib Dem Pensions Minister Steve Webb has been the architect of the radical pension reforms that feature in today's Queen's Speech. We can be proud that these reforms will give people both freedom and security in retirement. Let us be in no doubt: this is a revolution in our pension system and the Liberal Democrats have been the driving force behind these reforms.

"I am delighted that the Coalition Government plans to change criminal law on child neglect to ensure it includes emotional and psychological neglect. This follows a Private Members Bill proposed by Welsh Liberal Democrat MP Mark Williams. Mark can be proud of the work he has done on this and it is a major victory for all those involved in safeguarding children.

"This is a business friendly Queen's Speech. Liberal Democrats entered coalition at a time when our country's finances were in a terrible mess. Now our economy is one of the fastest-growing in the developed world. The Liberal Democrats insisted from the start that the recovery would be about more than just cutting the deficit, which is why there has been a focus on infrastructure, help for small businesses and support across all regions of the UK.

"Liberal Democrats have made helping parents with the cost of childcare a priority in government. That's why I am pleased that families with young children will now be getting help from the new tax-free childcare scheme. This will greatly help the family budget.

"These measures all show the value and strength of Liberal Democrats in government, building a stronger economy in a fairer society enabling everyone to get on in life."